Business
Cabinet gives approval for launch of Rs 34,300 crore National Critical Mineral Mission
New Delhi, Jan 29: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission with an outlay of Rs 16,300 crore and expected investment of Rs 18,000 crore by public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the mission aims to reduce the dependence on the import of critical minerals and ensure self-reliance.
The National Critical Mineral Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet, will encompass all stages of the value chain, including mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.
The mission will intensify the exploration of critical minerals within the country and in its offshore areas. It aims to create a fast-track regulatory approval process for critical mineral mining projects, according to an official statement.
Additionally, the mission will offer financial incentives for critical mineral exploration and promote the recovery of these minerals from overburden and tailings.
As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and recognising the indispensable role of critical minerals in high-tech industries, clean energy, and defence, the Indian government has undertaken several initiatives over the past two years to address challenges in the critical minerals sector.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the setting up of the Critical Mineral Mission in the Union Budget for 2024-25 on July 23, 2024, to establish an effective framework for India’s self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
The mission aims to encourage Indian PSUs and private sector companies to acquire critical mineral assets abroad and enhance trade with resource-rich countries. It also proposes the development of a stockpile of critical minerals within the country.
The mission includes provisions for setting up mineral processing parks and supporting the recycling of critical minerals.
It will also promote research in critical mineral technologies and proposes setting up a Centre of Excellence on critical minerals.
Adopting a whole-of-government approach, the Mission will work closely with relevant Ministries, PSUs, private companies, and research institutions to achieve its objectives.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, has been amended in 2023 to increase the exploration and mining of critical minerals.
Consequently, the Ministry of Mines has auctioned 24 blocks of strategic minerals.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has undertaken 368 exploration projects for critical minerals over the past three years, with 195 projects currently underway in FS 2024-25.
For FY 2025-26, GSI is going to take up 227 projects for various critical minerals.
To foster innovation, the Ministry launched the Science and Technology — Promotion of Research and Innovation in Start-ups and MSMEs (S&T PRISM) program in 2023, funding start-ups and MSMEs to bridge the gap between R&D and commercialisation.
Moreover, KABIL, a Joint Venture of the Ministry of Mines, has acquired an area of about 15,703 hectares in the Catamarca province of Argentina, for exploration and mining of Lithium.
The Indian government has already eliminated customs duties on the majority of critical minerals in the Union budget 2024-25. This will increase the availability of critical minerals in the country and will encourage the industry to set up processing facilities in India. These initiatives highlight India’s commitment to securing critical mineral supplies, the statement added.
Business
Indian equity markets open higher amid positive global cues

Mumbai, Oct 12: Domestic equity benchmark indices opened higher on Monday amid positive factors like gains in Asian markets and a decline in crude oil prices.
Nifty began trading session at 22,593.20, up 72.75 points or 0.32 per cent.
Meanwhile, Sensex opened at 72,771.32, up 298.99 points or 0.41 per cent.
In early deals, mostly sectoral indices were trading in positive territory. Nifty Media, Nifty Auto and Nifty Chemicals jumped up to 1 per cent.
Similarly, Nifty Realty, Nifty Oil & Gas, Nifty Cement, Nifty Metal and Nifty IT surged between 0.81 per cent to 0.64 per cent. However, other sectoral indices were also trading marginally higher.
On the downside, Nifty PSU Bank just slipped 0.01 per cent.
Market experts said external headwinds are dominating domestic tailwinds, adding that the market is going through a stage wherein external headwinds are dominating domestic tailwinds.
Elevated crude prices and high US bond yields will continue to impact market. FIIs will continue to sell in the near term, and DIIs will continue to absorb FII selling, according to them.
Moreover, an impressive GDP growth estimate of 7.1 per cent for FY27 and improving corporate profitability provide strong fundamental support to the market, the experts said.
“Therefore, investors can accumulate fairly valued growth stocks ignoring uncertainty and volatility in market. For investors with medium-to-long-term horizon, this market provides value buying opportunities. Patience is key,” they added.
They further noted that if crude declines sharply following favourable developments in the Middle East, the market can rally significantly from current levels.
Technically, Friday’s bounce and inside bar formation set up an environment for a rise to 22,800-23,200. However, inability to close above 22,575 will keep trend within bear grip. Downside marker for day may be kept at 22,295, Friday’s reaction low, another analyst said.
In addition, asian markets opened cautiously today in early hours as investors braced for earnings season which could test elevated technology valuations.
Oil prices eased on prospects of higher Russian supplies following agreement to halt attacks on energy facilities.
Business
Indian Railways throws open 3,584 jobs for young graduates

New Delhi, Oct 11: Indian Railways has announced 3,548 graduate-level vacancies for jobs under the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC–Graduate), which provide opportunities for graduates to work across different functional areas of railway operations and administration, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.
The recruitment through Centralised Employment Notification issued by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) covers four categories of posts, including Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor, Goods Train Manager, Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist, and Senior Clerk Cum Typist. These positions offer career opportunities across commercial services, train operations, accounts and administration, supporting the efficient functioning of railway services across the country, the statement said.
Of the total 3,548 vacancies, as many as 2,750 are for Goods Train Manager, followed by 371 for Senior Clerk Cum Typist, 300 for Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist, and 127 for Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor.
The posts offer initial basic pay under the Seventh Central Pay Commission. Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor carries an initial basic pay of Rs 35,400 per month at Pay Level 6, while the other three categories carry an initial basic pay of Rs 29,200 per month at Pay Level 5. Applicable allowances and service conditions will be governed by the relevant rules.
The online application process commenced on October 8, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until 11:59 p.m. on November 6. The last date for payment of the examination fee is November 8, while the application modification window is scheduled from November 9 to 18 November.
Candidates must possess a degree from a recognised university or its equivalent and fulfil the prescribed post-specific eligibility conditions. The notified age limit is 18-33 years as on January 1, 2027, with applicable age relaxations for eligible categories under the prescribed rules.
The selection process comprises a first-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT), a second-stage CBT, followed by document verification and medical examination, as applicable. The recruitment framework also provides applicable reservation and age-relaxation benefits, along with scribe assistance and compensatory time for eligible candidates with disabilities, in accordance with the prescribed provisions.
Another provision under CEN No. 06/2026 is the dispensation of the Computer-Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST) for the posts of Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist and Senior Clerk Cum Typist. Candidates are nevertheless expected to possess basic computer and typing proficiency, which will be assessed after joining, as specified in the notification, the statement said.
Candidates can access the detailed notification, vacancy distribution, eligibility criteria and recruitment updates through the official Railway Recruitment Boards website:https://rrb.indianrailways.gov.in
Business
BMC to crack down on illegal debris disposal, impose Rs 25,000 fine for tracking violations

Mumbai, Oct 11: As air quality concerns begin to resurface following the withdrawal of the monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is reportedly set to tighten enforcement of construction and demolition (C&D) waste management rules across the city.
Starting Monday, the civic body will levy a penalty of Rs 25,000 on every vehicle found transporting construction debris or excavation material without an active and authorised Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System (VTMS).
Construction sites that fail to register on the BMC’s Mumbai Debris Control and Tracking System (MDCTS) portal will also face a fine of Rs 25,000 for each violation.
The move comes amid growing concerns over illegal dumping of construction waste and its impact on Mumbai’s environment and air quality. In a circular issued to all 26 municipal wards, the BMC has directed officials to begin inspections and enforcement drives immediately.
Mumbai generates more than 8,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste every day, significantly exceeding the city’s treatment capacity.
The two processing facilities at Dahisar and Shilphata can collectively handle only around 1,200 tonnes of debris daily, creating a large gap that has led to rampant illegal dumping.
Civic officials said debris is frequently discarded along roadsides, vacant plots, drains, creeks, water bodies and mangrove areas, as per the report.
To improve monitoring and accountability, the BMC launched the MDCTS portal on August 24. The digital platform is designed to track C&D waste from its point of generation to authorised disposal or processing facilities.
It also allows civic authorities to monitor debris-carrying vehicles in real time, detect route deviations and identify suspected cases of illegal dumping.
The civic body has made registration on the portal mandatory for contractors, government agencies and private developers undertaking construction activities.
Registered entities are required to submit detailed waste management plans, while vehicles transporting debris must be fitted with GPS-enabled VTMS devices and follow approved transportation routes.
According to BMC data, the MDCTS portal recorded 220 registrations between August 24 and October 9. These included 109 builders and developers, 44 transporters, 19 BMC contractors, 17 external buyers of debris and soil, 15 corporate entities and four government agencies. No registrations were received from individual citizens during the period.
-
Crime4 years agoClass 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra2 years agoFalse photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News2 years agoMinistry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMaharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News2 years agoJ&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface
-
Crime2 years agoBaba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
